TAIPEI -- ASM Pacific Technology has opened a research and development center in Taiwan.

The R&D center, which houses mainly software engineers, will focus on research and development of custom products and solutions related to Industry 4.0 and smart factories. It is also expected to bridge closer collaborations between ASM and its industry partners, the firm said in a press release. ASM is expected to hire up to 100 R&D professionals for the new R&D center in the next three years.

“One of our key successes is built on our ability to deliver innovative products with differentiated values to our customers," said Lee Wai Kwong, CEO of ASM. "We invested a total of $180 million dollars last year on technology research. The opening of Taiwan R&D Center further affirms our commitment towards Research and Development in supporting the group’s future growth.”

ASM cited the ability to provide immediate, hands-on support to customers in Taiwan, a large pool of highly qualified engineering talent, reputable universities and research institutes, and strong government support for locating in Taiwan.